THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday warned the public anew against having multiple voter registration records, saying it may result in them facing criminal charges.
In a press conference after signing separate Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) with SM Supermalls, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, and Robinsons Malls, Comelec Chairman George Garcia reminded the public that the registration process will remain the same even though it has been brought to malls and applicants are allowed to register anywhere.
“This is a warning to all those who will apply for registration. If you are already a registered voter, do not attempt anymore to get registered again. We will detect that. We are capable of knowing if you are a multiple registrant,” said Garcia.
“Do not try to get registered again so you won’t face election offense charges,” he added.
The Comelec is preparing to fully implement the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) in all capital cities and towns and highly urbanized cities, including shopping malls.
Through the RAP, a qualified registrant will be allowed to file his/her application wherever there is a designated RAP registration site regardless of his/her place of residence.
During yesterday’s MOA signing, the three mall chains committed to the participation of 166 shopping malls.
These include 53 Robinsons malls, 28 Megaworld malls, and 85 SM malls across the country.
“This guarantees that there are several venues, where our people can register,” he said.
“Wherever you are in the Philippines, we will find you, and we will register you. There are no more reasons why you cannot get registered,” added Garcia.
The voter registration period is set to resume on February 12, 2024, and will run until September 30, 2024.
Some 3 million new registered voters are expected in the forthcoming voter registration period.
